description

Synonym Chooser

How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of description Those obscure functions, known as six-dimensional Calabi-Yau manifolds, had never been shown as directly relevant to descriptions of real astrophysical phenomena before. Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 13 May 2025 Scan the job description for the most important job responsibilities and requirements, and make sure each of them is mentioned somewhere on your resume. Jeannie Kim, CNBC, 12 May 2025 For the costumes, Hoffman said she was inspired by the play’s description of Cleopatra as a kind of goddess, with elements of Isis as represented in ancient art, while drawing freely from Ancient Egyptian representations of deities and royalty. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 12 May 2025 The Death Row Informant (WT) — Premieres fall 2025 ***Names have been redacted from the following series description due to an ongoing investigation of a serial killer. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • The team created ceiling frescoes reminiscent of artist Israel Rubinstein’s playful depictions of gaming scenes, and also looked to the works of Salvador Dalí and Meret Oppenheim for other inspiration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • Outside of the emotional rollercoaster of Keisha and Justin’s romance, the series offers generous and glittering depictions of family, friendship and young adulthood.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Some portraits explore sexuality more overtly than others, but all can be read in the spirit of the exhibition.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • This portrait of a chef who moved from Japan in the 1970s delivers a generous helping of warm and fuzzy feels, as its subject faces challenges with determination and celebrates the daily joy of creating beautiful bites.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the dispute between Lage and Textor, a first of its kind, will hinge on whether such promises are enforceable.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The church received a grant from the Valley Foundation to acquire the instrument, which is the only one of its kind at a South Bay venue.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The actor also said that his costar remains his favorite screen portrayal of the intrepid Daily Planet reporter.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 May 2025
  • In 2019, The Two Popes followed the story of Francis’ ascension, and picked up three Oscar nominations, including a nod for Jonathan Pryce for his portrayal of Francis.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Dale also appears to be wearing virtual reality headset of sorts.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • These perks are unlocked through the Requisitions menu, which acts as a battle pass of sorts.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Elsewhere at the Harrigan house, O'Hara is painting a grim picture of the crime family's increasingly delicate situation.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 May 2025
  • This looked like a man who has spent the season under pressure, worrying, his team not up to its usual standards, and all of that poured out in one moment of emotional release (top picture).
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • The subtle stripe keeps the print from leaning too floral, and Resor ran the pattern vertically to highlight the stripe.
    Allison Duncan, Vogue, 8 May 2025
  • Demi Moore Demi Moore wore an inventive Thom Browne gown that featured an oversized stripe.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • But this time, with notes of black to add definition and dimension.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • Create your own definition of excellence that has nothing to do with what others are doing.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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